This document discusses insect pest management strategies for stored grain. It provides recommendations for key registered insecticides for stored corn, including Actellic 5E, Diacon II, and malathion dust. It also discusses replacement products for Reldan and Storcide, such as Storcide II. The document outlines an insect management program for preventing infestations, including sanitation, empty bin spraying or fumigation, and storing clean dry grain. It provides guidance on using insecticides and restricted use fumigants, and identifies common stored grain pests such as beetles, moths, and weevils.
This document discusses insect pest management strategies for stored grain. It provides recommendations for key registered insecticides for stored corn, including Actellic 5E, Diacon II, and malathion dust. It also discusses replacement products for Reldan and Storcide, such as Storcide II. The document outlines an insect management program for preventing infestations, including sanitation, empty bin spraying or fumigation, and storing clean dry grain. It provides guidance on using insecticides and restricted use fumigants, and identifies common stored grain pests such as beetles, moths, and weevils.
This document discusses insect pest management strategies for stored grain. It provides recommendations for key registered insecticides for stored corn, including Actellic 5E, Diacon II, and malathion dust. It also discusses replacement products for Reldan and Storcide, such as Storcide II. The document outlines an insect management program for preventing infestations, including sanitation, empty bin spraying or fumigation, and storing clean dry grain. It provides guidance on using insecticides and restricted use fumigants, and identifies common stored grain pests such as beetles, moths, and weevils.
Key Points for 2007 Actellic 5E remains registered as the key protectant insecticide for use on stored corn as an admixture during binning or a topdress application to the grain surface. Other insecticides that can be used on stored corn in a similar manner include Diacon II and products containing diatomaceous earth or Bacillus thuringiensis. Additionally, a 6 percent mala- thion dust remains registered and available for pur- chase for use on stored corn. See the text and table in this chapter for details. Storcide II has replaced Reldan and Storcide. See Table 1 for application instructions. Storcide II con- tains chlorpyrifos-methyl and deltamethrin, a pyre- throid for which international Codex MRLs (maxi- mum residue limits, roughly the same as tolerances) have been established on certain grains. Storcide II is labeled for use on the same small grains that pre- viously were listed on the Reldan label. Although the USEPA has granted a residue toler- ance for the active ingredient spinosad on several stored grains and international Codex MRLs have been established, those MRLs have not yet been ac- cepted by all countries. Commercialization of spinosad products for use on stored grains is not likely before 2009 The only malathion product labeled for direct use on small grains and still available for purchase is a 6 percent dust. Its label allows use on corn, bar- ley, oats, rice, rye, sorghum, sunfower seeds, and wheat. Relatively new fumigants that are labeled for use in grain storages include ECO 2 fume, which is a mix- ture of 2 percent phospine gas in carbon dioxide, and ProFume, which is the fumigant gas sulfuryl fuoride. These fumigants are not designed for use by farmer applicators but instead by professional fumigators. Introduction Grains produced in Illinois may be stored for periods of a few weeks to a few years before they are fed or processed. The proftability of such storage depends not only upon marketing concerns but also upon maintaining grain quality. The harvest and storage of grain do not signal an end to the possibility of losses caused by insects and pathogens. Successful management of stored-grain insects is possible only when proper storage practices are implemented. Insecticides and fumigants should be viewed as supplements to, not replacements for, sound storage methods. When used properly, insecti- cides and fumigants limit insect losses in stored grains without endangering the pesticide applicator or resulting in excessive pesticide residues that threat- en the health of consumers (livestock or humans) of treated grain or grain products. This chapter provides recommendations for cul- tural and chemical control of stored-grain insects. It is revised annually; always use the current years hand- book. Changes in registration that occur between revisions will be announced to appropriate media sources and to Extension offces. 5 The information in this chapter is provided for educational purposes only. Product trade names have been used for clarity, but reference to trade names does not imply endorsement by the University of Illinois; discrimination is not intended against any product. The reader is urged to exercise caution in making purchases or evaluating product information. Label registrations can change at any time. Thus the recommendations in this chapter may become invalid. The user must read carefully the entire, most recent label and follow all directions and restrictions. Purchase only enough pesticide for the current growing season. 2008 ILLINOIS AGRICULTURAL PEST MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK 148 Developing an Insect-Manage- ment Program for Stored Grain If grain will be stored on the farm, one goal should be to keep it relatively insect-free, preferably without using insecticides or fumigants. Taking steps to pre- vent a buildup of insect numbers requires time and planning, but the outcome is grain that is not infested with insects and will not be docked. The following insect-management tactics should be considered for preventing infestations of insects in stored grains. If successful management is achieved with these tactics, fumigation of grain can be avoided. Sanitation (cleanup of old grain and grain debris) Empty-bin spray with an insecticide Empty-bin fumigation, primarily to control insects in the subfoor plenum Storing clean, dry grain Treating grain with a protectant insecticide Aeration to cool the grain to prevent insect feeding and reproduction Regular measurement of grain temperature and sampling for insects If fall-harvested crops (corn, soybean, and grain sorghum) are to be removed from storage by May or June the year after harvest, the nonchemical tactics listed above should be adequate to prevent infestation by stored-grain insects. Empty-bin sprays, empty-bin fumigation, and protectant insecticides probably will not be necessary. Because wheat is harvested in midsummer, when warm temperatures enable insects to develop and reproduce rapidly, it is more vulnerable to insect in- festation. However, if wheat will not be stored for more than one month, the probability for a signifcant buildup of stored-grain insects is relatively low, so nonchemical management tactics should be suffcient. All grains stored long term probably will become infested with stored-grain insects. However, imple- menting an insect-prevention program using the tactics previously listed should lower the probability and intensity of infestation. If an insect infestation de- velops and fumigation becomes necessary, we recom- mend employing a professional fumigator. The legal and safety requirements for fumigating stored grain make the expense and risk more than most farmers are prepared to accept. Using Insecticides and Fumigants The USEPA has designated certain pesticides for re- stricted use. The fumigants aluminum phosphide (alone or in combination with carbon dioxide), sul- furyl fuoride, and chloropicrin are restricted use pesti cides. Commercial applicators must be certifed to ap ply restricted use pesticides. Elevator employees re- sponsible for grain treatment at their place of employ- ment must be certifed under the category Grain Facil- ity Pest Control Applicator. Commercial fumigation professionals who treat stored grain or grain products at farms, elevators, or warehouses must be certifed by the Illinois Department of Public Health. A private applicator who wishes to purchase or apply restricted use pesticides for the purpose of protecting any agri- cultural commodity on property owned or rented by him or as exchange labor (no compensation) on the property of another must obtain certifcation by passing an examination administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Regulations enacted by the Illinois Department of Agriculture mandate that private applicators must obtain special certifcation to purchase and apply grain fumigants. To obtain certifcation for fumigant application, individuals must frst pass the private applicator exam and then pass a grain storage and fumigation exam. For information about training materials, contact Scott Bretthauer in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineer- ing, 360 AESB, 1304 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, (217)333-9418. Persons who apply pesticides should be aware that the applicator is always responsible for the results of pesticide applications. To avoid accidents and maxi- mize the effectiveness of any application, always read the pesticide label and follow all directions and safety precautions. Be sure that the pesticide is specifcally labeled for the pest, site, and application method planned. The label is the law. Insects Attacking Stored Grain Several types of insects inhabit stored grain. Identi- fcation is often diffcult because most storedgrain pests are small ( 1 16 to 1 4 inch long), and many species are similar in appearance. Information about identify- ing the many species of stored-grain insects is not pre- sented here; see instead the reference list at the end of this chapter. It is important, however, to recognize the different groups of insects that live in stored grains because management considerations may differ ac- cording to the insects characteristics and behavior. Different species vary signifcantly in their potential to cause economic damage, and some insects cause no damage to stored grain. 5 INSECT PEST MANAGEMENT FOR STORED GRAIN 149 as they move about near the grain surface. Mature lar- vae pupate within a silky cocoon. Adult moths fy and mate in the bin headspace, where they may be seen resting on the bin walls and roof. The Indianmeal moth is the most common surface- feeding caterpillar in stored grain in Illinois. The lar- vae may web over the grain surface completely, thus preventing proper aeration or fumigation. The adult Indianmeal moth has a wingspan of about 3 4 inch; the outer half of each front wing is redbrown or copper colored. Malathion resistance is common in Illinois populations of Indianmeal moth. Other surface-feed- ing caterpillars include the Angoumois grain moth (which feeds within kernels), the Mediterranean four moth, and the meal moth. Other Stored-Grain Insects Other pests that sometimes infest stored grains in- clude psocids (booklice) and grain mites. These soft- bodied pests feed on fungi. An abundance of psocids or grain mites often indicates a more important prob- lem of mold-related deterioration of the grain. Not all insects in grain are pests. Parasitic wasps, larvae of a predaceous fy species, and predaceous Hemipterans (true bugs) attack certain grain pests. In addition, many feld insects, such as European corn borers and sap beetles, are transported inadvertently to grain bins, where they cause no damage. Preventing Insect Infestations Sources of Infestations Most infestations of stored-grain insects originate from immigration of the insects into the bin from out- side. All species of stored-grain insects have numer- ous food sources on which they survive when stored products are not available. However, large amounts of stored grain are attractive to these pests, and they invade the bins through any available opening. Other common sources of stored-grain insects are old grain, grain spills, feeds, seed, and grain debris. Insects often move to new grain from carryover grain, from grain not cleaned from empty bins, from feed- supply buildings, and from grain debris beneath per- forated bin foors. Some stored-grain insects infest maturing grain in the feld. Although some feld infestations probably occur in Illinois, the extent of feldoriginated storage problems is minor. Sanitation To minimize the movement of insects from old grain and grain debris to new grain, thorough cleanup is necessary. At least 2 weeks before storing new grain, clean all grain and grain debris from within and Weevils and Other Insects That Feed Inside Kernels Primary insect pests of stored grain develop within grain kernels and can destroy whole, sound grain. Adults deposit eggs on or in whole kernels, and lar- vae develop inside the kernels. Feeding by these in- sects causes grain to be classifed as sample grade. The primary pests found in stored grain in Illinois are the weevilsrice weevil, maize weevil, and gra- nary weevil. The grain weevils are small (between 1 16 and 1 8 inch long) but recognizable as a group because the head projects forward as a prolonged snout. An- other primary pest found in wheat, but only rarely in corn, is the lesser grain borer. The adults head projects downward, not forward, and does not bear a snout. These insects may be found in any portion of the grain mass within a bin. The Angoumois grain moth lays its eggs on grain kernels, and the larvae bore into the kernels and feed there. Although this insect may attack grain before harvest, most of the damage occurs in stored grain. Infestations in storage are limited to the surface of the grain mass. However, this insect only infrequently in- fests stored grains in Illinois. Beetles That Develop and Feed Outside Grain Kernels Most insects commonly collected in stored grain in Illinois are beetles that range in size from 1 16 inch to more than 1 2 inch long. Adults of most species are redbrown to black, and their forewings are hardened to form a shell over the body. Larvae of common species are cylindrical and cream colored; some bear fne hairs. Species frequently collected in Illinois grain bins include the sawtoothed grain beetle, fat grain beetle, rusty grain beetle, foreign grain beetle, hairy fungus beetle, larger black four beetle, red four bee- tle, and confused four beetle. Like the weevils, beetles that feed and develop out- side grain kernels may inhabit any portion of a grain mass. They feed on bits and fragments of several dif- ferent grains; their buildup usually results from an abundance of broken kernels (fne material) or fungal growth on moist grain. Their dependence on fnes or fungal growth accounts for the description of these insects as secondary pests, bran bugs, or fungus feeders. Surface-Feeding Caterpillars Most caterpillars that feed in stored grain inhabit pri- marily the outer portions of the grain mass (usually the grain surface, but also the bottom of the mass just above perforated drying foors or aeration ducts). These caterpillars are cream colored and about 1 2 inch long when mature. They produce fne, silken webbing 2008 ILLINOIS AGRICULTURAL PEST MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK 150 the grain. Many species of stored-grain insects cannot survive in the absence of broken kernels and grain debris. Use of a grain spreader evenly distributes remaining fne material and helps to level the grain surface. After the bin is full, if fne material is concen trated in a central core beneath the auger spout, re- moving one or a few loads from the bin will extract this core of fnes. Periodic removal of the center core during the binflling process is even more effective for extracting fnes. Do not add new grain on top of old because insects will move from the infested grain to the new grain. Do not overfll bins; the leveled grain surface should be at least a few inches below the lip of the bin. Leveling the grain surface is important for uniform airfow and for effective application of insecticide or fumigant. Store only dry grain. Maintaining moisture lev- els that prevent the growth of storage fungi is suf- fcient where fallharvested grain is to be stored only through the winter. Wheat that will be stored 1 month or longer during warm summer weather should be dried to 12 to 13 percent moisture; corn should be dried to 14 to 15 percent moisture. Aerate to cool stored grain as soon as possible. Temperatures below 50F prevent insect feeding and reproduction. Cooling grain to just above freezing kills some stages of many grain insects. Cooling grain to 10 to 15F will kill nearly 100 percent of common stored-grain pests. Aeration also results in uniform temperatures that prevent moisture migration prob- lems within a bin. Most grain-storage references recommend aerating to maintain grain temperatures within 15F of average outdoor temperatures, how- ever, it is unnecessary to aerate to rewarm grain above 50F. Grain Protectants Application of insecticides directly to grain to prevent infestation may be warranted if grain is to be stored for more than 3 to 6 weeks at grain temperatures above 60 to 70F. Summer-harvested grains that will be stored 1 month or longer and fall-harvested grains that will remain in storage beyond May or June of the year after harvest should be treated with a protectant insecticide. Incorporating a surface treatment is ade- quate for short-term protection. However, uniform application to all grain at the auger is necessary for long-term protection. If grain-protectant insecticides are applied at labeled rates, grain may be processed or fed to livestock with no waiting period. To protect against stored-grain beetles and weevils throughout the entire mass of grain within a bin, ap- ply a protectant insecticide to grain as it is augered around grain bins. Be thorough; sweep or vacuum bin foors and remove and feed or destroy any grain and grain debris in combines, wagons, and augers. If grain debris is not removed from the combine, collect and feed or destroy the frst few bushels of grain that pass through the combine. Bin Sprays Insects may remain in certain bin locations even after a thorough cleanup. Hard-to-clean sites that harbor insect pests include cracks and crevices in bin walls and the plenum beneath nonremovable perforated foors. Consequently, application of a residual insec- ticide should help eliminate lingering infestations of stored-grain insects. Residual sprays also create a barrier for insects that may migrate into a storage area from outside. Applying an insecticide or a fumigant in an empty bin can supplement (but not replace) physi- cal cleanup efforts. Apply an insecticide to the foor and up to 15 feet up the walls of all bins that will be used to store grain for more than a few weeks during warm weather. Also spray the outside of the bin from the base to a height of 3 feet and treat the ground and vegetation in a 3-foot border around the bin. The best time to apply a residual spray is 2 to 3 weeks before new grain will be stored in the bin. Use one of the following prod- ucts: 8 milliliters of Tempo 2E (cyfuthrin) per 1,000 square feet in suffcient water to cover the area be- ing treated but not to allow dripping or runoff to occur (see product label). Do not apply directly to grain. 1.8 fuid ounces of Storcide II (a combination of the active ingredients chlorpyrifos-methyl and delta- methrin) per gallon of water. Apply 1 gallon of spray mixture per 1,000 square feet of bin wall or foor surface. Do not apply Storcide II to bins that will be used to store corn or soybean. diatomaceous earth (see product label for applica- tion rate of the formulation to be used). Unless labels specify otherwise, spray bin surfaces to the point of runoff and be sure to treat all cracks and crevices and areas around doors thoroughly. Note and follow all label directions for application meth- ods, protective equipment, and reentry. Filling the Bin Effective insect management in stored grain requires good storage practices. Use a grain cleaner to mini- mize the amount of fne material that is binned with 5 INSECT PEST MANAGEMENT FOR STORED GRAIN 151 Soybean Only the Indianmeal moth infests soybean stored at moisture levels that prevent mold growth. To protect against Indianmeal moth infestation, rake in surface applications of Bt or diatomaceous earth after the bin is flled and leveled or by May of the following year. Dichlorvos resin strips may be hung in the bin head- space as a further deterrent to Indianmeal moth infes- tation. No other protectant insecticides are registered for application to stored soybean. Wheat Wheat is especially vulnerable to insect infestation because it is harvested in midsummer when stored- product insects are active within and outside storage facilities. Warm temperatures in summer-harvested wheat also contribute to the rapid development and reproduction of insects within bins. Apply Storcide II at the loading auger to all wheat that is to be stored for 1 month or more. Sorghum For storage periods of 1 year or longer, apply Actel- lic or Storcide II at the loading auger, but not before high-temperature drying. Actellic should persist for 12 months or more on sorghum at 12 to 13 percent moisture. Use dichlorvos resin strips or rake in sur- face applications of Bt or diatomaceous earth after the bin is flled and leveled or by May to control Indian- meal moth if the grain mass is not otherwise treated. Topdress applications of Actellic usually will provide adequate protection for one summers storage if ap- plication is made by April or May. Insecticide Resistance in Stored Grain Insecticide resistance is an important worldwide problem that is especially common (on an interna- tional scale) in stored-product insects. In Illinois, resistance to malathion is widespread among Indian- meal moth populations. Some Illinois populations of the red four beetle are resistant to malathion, but the range and intensity of this resistance problem are not well known. Populations of the hairy fungus beetle may be resistant to both Actellic and malathion; the geographical range of resistant populations of this species is not known. Diacon II and Diatomaceous Earth Diacon II contains the insect-growth regulator metho- prene. It prevents the normal growth and maturation of immature insects, killing them before they become adults. It does not kill adult insects and, therefore, may not be as effective as needed in many circumstances. into the bin. Spray-on applicators may be mounted on the auger to apply liquid formulations. Dusts may be spread over a load of grain in a truck or wagon just before unloading. Protectant insecticides should not be applied to grain before high-temperature drying. A topdress or cap-off treatment may be used to give some control of insects entering the top of the grain mass. If stirrators are used after a topdress applica- tion, the surface of the grain mass will no longer be protected. Table 1 summarizes the uses for registered grain protectants. Cropspecifc recommendations for the use of pro- tectant insecticides are described in the subsequent sections. Corn It is not necessary to apply any insecticide to new- crop corn that will be removed from storage by May or June of the following spring. Similarly, if corn will be used on-site as livestock feed (and not subject to grading associated with sale) within 1 year of harvest, a protectant insecticide usually is not necessary. For storage periods of 1 year or longer, apply Actellic at the loading auger, using rates listed in Table 1. Reldan is not registered for use on corn. Do not apply insecti- cides before high-temperature drying because ex- treme heat results in rapid volatilization of the insecti- cide and reduction in residues. For Actellic residues to persist on corn at effective levels through the summer after harvest, corn must be dried to approximately 14 to 15 percent moisture. If the grain mass is not treated, surface topdressing or cap-off applications of protectant insecticides are effective against insects that feed at the grain surface. Actellic, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), Diacon II, and dia- tomaceous earth may be applied to corn and incorpo- rated into the top 4 to 6 inches of the grain mass by raking. Actellic, Diacon II, and diatomaceous earth are labeled for use against all the insects that infest stored grain; Bt products are effective against Indianmeal moth larvae. Dichlorvos resin strips may be hung in the bin headspace as a further deterrent to Indianmeal moth infestation. See the text starting in the next col- umn regarding Diacon II and diatomaceous earth. Long-term storage programs usually allow ro- tating corn in storageshipping out old corn and replacing it with the new crop each year. Annual rota- tion of stored corn helps avoid buildup of insect infes- tations. Where annual rotation is practiced, topdress treatments of Bt (for Indianmeal moth) or Actellic applied in April or May usually provide adequate control without treating the entire grain mass. 2008 ILLINOIS AGRICULTURAL PEST MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK 152 Table 1. Insecticides registered for use to protect stored grain Grains treated with protectant insecticides at labeled rates may be fed to livestock or processed for feed or food uses with no waiting period. Registered for use on Insecticide Rate (per 1,000 bu) Restrictions, comments Bacillus thuringiensis (many trade names) Deltamethrin plus chlorpyrifos-methyl (Storcide II) Methoprene (Diacon II) Diatomaceous earth (several trade names) Dichlorvos resin strips (DDVP, Va- pona) Pirimiphos-methyl (Actellic 5E) Barley, corn, oats, rye, sorghum, soy- bean, sunfower, wheat Barley, oats, rice, sorghum, wheat Barley, corn, oats, wheat, sorghum Barley, corn, oats, rye, sorghum, wheat Barley, corn, oats, rye, sorghum, soy- bean, sunfower, wheat Corn (including popcorn), sor- ghum Rate depends upon the prod- uct formulation and concen- tration. Follow label direc- tions for the product in use. 6.6 to 12.4 f oz in 5 gallons of water per 1,000 bu. See prod- uct label for rates for individ- ual commodities. Apply 0.8 to 7.7 f oz of for mulated product in 5 gallons of water per 1,000 bu. See product label for a tabular listing of dilutions. Rate depends upon the prod- uct formulation and concen- tration. Follow label direc- tions for the product in use. Hang one strip per 1,000 cu ft of bin headspace. Apply 8.6 to 11.5 f oz of Ac- tellic in 5 gallons of water per 1,000 bu. Protects grain for up to 12 months at an applica- tion rate of 8.6 oz, and up to 18 months at the 11.5-oz rate. Apply 3 f oz of Actellic in 2 gallons of water per 1,000 sq ft of surface area as a cap- off treatment if the entire grain mass is not treated. Apply half of the mixture to the grain surface and rake into the top 4 inches; then apply the other half to the raked surface. These products control only the larval stage of Indianmeal moths; they must be ingested by the lar- vae. Apply to the top 4 to 6 inches of grain as it is augered into the bin or incorporate by raking after the bin is flled. Controls weevils, lesser grain borer, secondary beetles, and In- diannmeal moth. Dry grain to 12 to 13% moisture for residues to re- main effective for 1 year or longer. Do not apply to soybean. Metho- prene prevents growth and devel- opment of immature insects but will not kill adults. See text. Dichlorvos strips release a vapor that kills adult Indianmeal moths before they reproduce and lay eggs. Do not apply to barley, oats, soy- bean, or wheat. Do not apply be- fore high-temperature drying. Controls weevils, secondary bee- tles, and Indianmeal moth. Dry grain to 14 to 15% moisture for pirimiphos-methyl to persist for 1 year or longer. Cap-off treat- ments do not provide control of insects active beneath the treated layer. 5 INSECT PEST MANAGEMENT FOR STORED GRAIN 153 Table 1. Insecticides registered for use to protect stored grain (cont.) Registered for use on Insecticide Rate (per 1,000 bu) Restrictions, comments Pyrethrins plus piperonyl butoxide Barley, corn, oats, rye, sorghum, sunfower, wheat Rate depends upon the prod- uct concentration. Follow la- bel directions of the product in use. Do not apply to soybean. Short- term residual activity. Useful mainly as a surface spray or aero- sol to control larval and adult Indianmeal moths, as well as other pests at the grain surface. Diatomaceous earth is an abrasive and slightly sorptive dust that damages an insects body covering and causes death by dehydration. Incorporating sur- face treatments should provide some control of insects active in the treated layer. Problems associated with the use of diatomaceous earth as a grain protectant throughout a grain mass in- clude increased wear to grain-moving equipment, the generation of great amounts of airborne dust during grain handling, and possible reductions in test weight. In addition, diatomaceous earth is not very effective when the grain is wet. Grain that is identifed as having been treated with diatomaceous earth is not downgraded when inspected by offcial grain graders, but some buy- ers refuse to accept grain treated with diatomaceous earth if the appearance of the grain is altered by a dusty coating. Conversely, buyers of organic foods or feeds accept grains treated with diatomaceous earth or Bacillus thuringiensis, but not grains treated with synthetic chemical insecticides. Due to its cost and the drawbacks discussed, using diatomaceous earth to treat an entire grain mass by admixture at the auger, conveyor belt, or bucket elevator is not advised except in unique circumstances, such as the long-term stor- age of organically certifed grains. For topdress appli- cations, diatomaceous earth gives satisfactory results. Another successful and practical use of diatomaceous earth has been its addition to small seed packets to prevent infestation by stored-product pests. Sampling Stored Grain Stored grain should be monitored regularly to deter- mine grain moisture content and temperature and to detect insect infestations. Sample stored grain for in- sects at least monthly from November through April and at least twice monthly from May through Octo- ber. Measurements of grain temperature and mois- ture should be taken twice monthly all year-round. Pay particular attention to the grain surface and the central core of the grain mass, but also sample addi- tional locations and depths. Examine grain from any locations where temperature or moisture readings are substantially higher than average. Deep-bin probes and sectioned grain triers are most commonly used for withdrawing samples from beneath the grain sur- face. Probe traps and sticky pheromone traps also are available for monitoring insects within the grain mass and fying moths, respectively. Sampling equipment is available from most bin sales and service companies. Controlling Established Infestations When insects are found in stored grain, a logical question is: Are there enough insects present to war- rant control? The importance of an insect infestation is determined not only by insect numbers but also by type of grain, insect species, time of year, grain temperature and moisture, the planned duration of storage, market potential, and local elevator quality and dockage guidelines. Revised (1988) Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) standards for grain insect infestation are presented in Table 2, but local elevators may enforce more stringent standards. Insect-dam- aged kernels also may result in price discounts. 2008 ILLINOIS AGRICULTURAL PEST MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK 154 Table 2. Number of live insects (per kilogram of grain) required for FGIS designation as infested Crop Insect number (per kilogram) for designation as infested Wheat, rye, triticale 2 or more live insects that are injurious to stored grain Barley, corn, oats, More than 1 live weevil or sorghum, soybean 1 live weevil plus 5 or more other live injurious pest in- sects or No live weevils, but 10 or more other live pest insects injurious to stored grain
Options When insects are detected in stored grain, consider several possible management practices. Sometimes the most proftable action is to clean and sell the grain immediately without any chemical treatment. Im- mediate sale is appropriate if early stages of insect infestations are detected before insect numbers reach a buyers detection or discount level. During cool weather, aerating to cool the grain below 50F pre- vents insect activity and allows an extended period of safe storage. Sometimes insect problems are limited primarily to the surface or central core of stored grain. If Ind- ianmeal moth is the only problem, light infestations can be controlled by using Bt, Actellic, Reldan, Stor- cide II, or diatomaceous earth as outlined in Table 1. Unincorporated applications of these insecticides will not control Indianmeal moth larvae already present a few inches below the grain surface. Where abun- dant webbing indicates a severe infestation, webbing should be raked from the surface before treating; fumigation may be necessary in these situations. If secondary beetles are confned primarily to a central core of fne material, removing one or two loads of grain to extract that core may allow safe storage of the remaining grain. Infested grain that cannot be treated successfully in any other way should be fumigated. Safety concerns and protective equipment requirements for fumigants suggest that fumigating farm-stored grain is poten- tially dangerous and diffcult. Hiring a professional fumigator is strongly recommended, especially for the fumigation of bins with capacities greater than 5,000 bushels. Farmers who wish to fumigate their own grain must pass a specifc Private Applicator Grain Fumigation Exam. Training materials for that exam cover the products and procedures used for farm bin fumigation. For those who hire a professional fumigator, the fumigants that may be used in stored grain include methyl bromide, phosphine (from aluminum phos- phide or magnesium phosphide pellets or tablets that release phosphine gas), and sulfuryl fuoride. A combination of phosphine and sulfuryl fuoride (Pro fume) also may be used. Additionally, carbon dioxide, alone or in combination with nitrogen or with phos- phine (ECO 2 Fume), can be used effectively in bins that are very well sealed. Sealing the seams of bolted farm bins is necessary to reduce CO 2 leaks and make the process cost-effective. Benefcial Insects One or more companies market programs that call for periodic releases of benefcial insects (predators and parasitoids of pest species) for pest management in stored grains. Although considerable research has been directed at this practice, questions remain unan- swered concerning the ability of releases of benefcial insects to lower pest populations to levels required by current grading standards. Published studies con- ducted in on-farm storage sites have not achieved ade- quate levels of control. Where management efforts must be limited to nonchemical methods of control, sound cultural practices (sanitation, adequate drying, cleaning, aera- tion, and annual rotation of the commodity) outper- form the release of benefcial insects. Special Considerations for Stored Seeds Seed corn in bulk storage (in cribs, bins, and grana- ries) can be protected from insect damage by using the storage practices and protectant insecticides dis- cussed previously. These practices include proper sanitation, drying, cleaning, and temperature manage- ment (aeration), and the use of protectant insecticides such as pirimiphos-methyl (Actellic or Nu-Gro In- secticide S.P.), Bt, and pyrethrins plus piperonyl bu- toxide. Where fumigation of bulk-stored seed corn is necessary, aluminum phosphide fumigants or carbon dioxide can be used effectively without affecting seed germination. In bagged seed corn (usually not treated with any insecticide), several stored-grain insects may be a problem, but the Indianmeal moth is the most com- mon. Although bulk seed treatments with Actellic, 5 INSECT PEST MANAGEMENT FOR STORED GRAIN 155 Bt, or Nu-Gro provide residual control of Indianmeal moth larvae, such treatments must be applied before or during bagging. Small quantities of valuable seed can be protected by cool storage or by adding diato- maceous earth to seed packets. To limit infestations of insects in untreated, bagged seed corn, warehouses may be fogged periodically during the summer with pyrethrins plus piperonyl butoxide. Using proper warehouse sanitation methods, maintaining cool temperatures, and excluding pests (by using screens, tightftting doors and windows, caulking, and so forth) also are important. Bagged seed can be fumigat- ed effectively with aluminum phosphide fumigants. Hiring a professional fumigator is advised. For Further Information Additional information about pest management in stored grains may be obtained from the following sources: Picture Sheet X798.01, Stored Grain Insects and Molds. Available from ACES/ITCS Marketing and Distri- bution, 1917 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL 61820; (800)345-6087. Illinois Pesticide Applicator Training Manual 39-4: Seed Treatment. Available from ACES/ITCS. Illinois Pesticide Applicator Training Manual 39-8: Grain Facility. Available from ACES/ITCS. Stored Grain Pest Management (SP39-8-CD), self- study CD-ROM. Available from ACES/ITCS. Stored Product Management. Publ. E-912. Available from the Department of Entomology, Oklahoma State University, 127 Noble Research Center, Stillwater, OK 74078. For a list of addresses of suppliers of insect traps, other sampling equipment, and insecticide applica- tion equipment (for stored grains), write to the De- partment of Crop Sciences, S-322 Turner Hall, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801. Recommended Web Resources http://pasture.ecn.purdue.edu/~grainlab/ Postharvest grain quality and stored-product protec- tion. Excellent lists of educational resources, including links to online publications. http://www.usgmrl.ksu.edu/ Current research in USDAARS. http://www.insectslimited.com/ Commercial fumigation services and supplies, fumi- gation alternatives, current important issues regard- ing fumigation and other stored-grain management strategies. Authors Rick Weinzierl Department of Crop Sciences Russell Higgins Matteson Extension Center 2008 ILLINOIS AGRICULTURAL PEST MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK 156